Recommended Ibuprofen Dosage for an 82-Pound Individual
For a child weighing 82 pounds (approximately 37 kg), the recommended dosage of ibuprofen is 10-15 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, which equals approximately 370-555 mg per dose, not to exceed 2,400 mg per day. 1
Dosage Calculation
Based on the most recent guidelines, the appropriate dosage can be determined as follows:
- Weight: 82 pounds = approximately 37 kg
- For children weighing 23-40 kg, the recommended dosage is 60 mg per dose 1
- For children weighing more than 40 kg (88 lb), the recommended dosage is 75 mg per dose 1
Since 82 pounds (37 kg) is very close to the 40 kg threshold, the appropriate dosage would be:
- 10-15 mg/kg per dose = 370-555 mg per dose
- Practically, this would be rounded to 400 mg per dose (standard tablet/capsule size)
Administration Schedule
- Take every 6-8 hours as needed for pain or fever
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 2,400 mg per day
Formulation Options
- Tablets/capsules: 200 mg or 400 mg (2 × 200 mg tablets would be appropriate)
- Liquid suspension: Available in various concentrations (check specific product for dosing)
Important Considerations
Safety Precautions
- Duration: For over-the-counter use, do not use for more than 10 days without consulting a healthcare provider
- Take with food: Ibuprofen should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 2
- Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration while taking ibuprofen
Potential Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, stomach pain, heartburn
- Risk of GI bleeding increases with higher doses and prolonged use
- Renal effects: Particularly with dehydration or pre-existing kidney disease
Contraindications
- Allergy to NSAIDs
- History of GI bleeding or ulcers
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Concurrent use with other NSAIDs
Special Populations
For individuals with underlying health conditions:
- Hepatic impairment: Use with caution and consider dose reduction
- Renal impairment: Avoid if possible, especially with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min
- Cardiovascular disease: Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
Clinical Pearls
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be more effective than acetaminophen (paracetamol) for inflammatory conditions 2
- The analgesic effect of ibuprofen 400 mg lasts approximately 6 hours compared to 4-6 hours for ibuprofen 200 mg 3
- For fever reduction, ibuprofen may be more effective than acetaminophen in some cases
Remember that this dosing is based on weight and not age, which provides a more accurate dosage for optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing potential adverse effects.